851.248/184: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Bullitt) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 20—9:21 a.m.]
788. For the President and the Secretary. I conveyed the information contained in your No. 275, of April 18, 5 p.m., to the Minister for Air this morning. He was, of course, most disappointed as I was that the rate of increase in production of Allison engines would be so slow. Is it really impossible that this rate should be increased?
The Minister for Air said that as soon as the V–1710–19 engine should be received he would have it tested at once and would place orders if it should prove to be satisfactory and he added, however, that the possible delivery dates for engines would be a factor which would have to be taken into consideration in placing the orders.
Could not an appeal be made to General Motors on the ground that it seems a patriotic duty to increase the production of Allison engines as rapidly as foreseen in your telegram 262, April 13, 7 p.m.?